KARACHI: AKU Centre for Aging Gracefully and VCare Join Hands to host the "Sindh Provincial Stakeholder Dialogue on Ageing with Dignity: Building Sustainable Health and Financial Protection Systems for Older Adults." The Dialigue took place in Karachi on 6 November, 2026 at the Aga Khan University. The dialogue was jointly led by Ms. Fatima Khalfan, Founder of VCare, and Dr. Rozina Karmaliani, Director of the centre for Ageing Gracefully at AKU.
The event was attended by prominent economist Mr. Ateeq Ur Rahman, Dr. Shariq Jamal (MPA), Ms. Saima Malik, Deputy Director, Social Welfare Department, Government of Sindh, and representatives from WHO, HBL Foundation, Jubilee Insurance, EFU Insurance, TPL Insurance, State Life Insurance, Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Social Welfare Board, Sindh Senior Citizens Council, VCare's Board of Directors, Faculty and members of AKU Centre for Aging Gracefully.
Sharing VCare's 15 years of experience in long-term elderly care, Ms. Fatima Khalfan highlighted the challenges faced by older persons who require continuous healthcare and residential care but lack adequate family support and financial resources.
"Caring for older persons is not only a healthcare responsibility but also a social and financial responsibility. We must work together to develop sustainable systems that protect their health, dignity and financial security. Our responsibility is not only to care for them today, but also to protect their tomorrow," she emphasised.
Dr. Rozina Karmaliani stressed the importance of preventive healthcare models along with applying WHO integerated modal of care for older Adults (ICOPE), capacity building of health care providers and care givers and affordable home/community-based solutions, to improve accessibility for older Adults. Her work has revealed a need to undertake an integrated approach to establish an ecosystem of care for older Adults preferring to remain at home as they age with their intrinsic capacity building. Calling on expert stakeholders to collaborate on solutions in their given capacity for wider impact.
The dialogue encouraged stakeholders to examine existing healthcare and financial protection systems and explore collaborative solutions, including accessible insurance at the age of 40 and above, sustainable care financing and community-based support for older persons.
Conclusion and Way Forward
The session concluded with a shared understanding that this was the first in a series of stakeholder dialogues aimed at developing practical and sustainable solutions for the ageing population of Pakistan.
It was proposed that a second round of dialogue be held within the next three months, during which participating financial institutions and insurance companies would be invited to present potential solutions.
All participating financial institutions and insurance providers were requested to explore and develop affordable, accessible and age-appropriate financial and insurance products for older persons, particularly those addressing healthcare expenses, long-term care needs and financial security.
These proposed products and solutions will form the basis of discussions during the second dialogue, with the aim of moving from evidence and policy discussions towards practical implementation and collective action.
Working together for a healthier, more secure, and dignified future for Older Persons in Sindh.
